PACSO support families with a child or young person with a disability in West Sussex. This project is to run a 4-WEEK VIRTUAL PLAYSCHEME online, using facebook live, and zoom. The playscheme will support approx. 200 vulnerable children who are isolated at home due to complex health, physical or learning disabilities, and whose carers currently receive no respite from 24-hour care. There'll be fun activities everyday, including magicians, musicians, dance, art, singing, sensory play, stories and all types of silly fun! Families can take part in the activities, and we'll invite them to online 'circle time' at the end of the week. As close as possible, this project will replicate our popular playschemes, but we are not asking families to pay for their places as they will sadly not be receiving physical respite due to the covid-19 pandemic. PACSO are currently not charging for any of their services, meaning that we have no parental income. We are a small charity, with big hearts!

What we'll deliver:

• 4 weeks of online Playscheme activities 27 July-21 August
• One hour of activity for children with disabilities each day
• Fun for 200 disabled children and their families locally
• Free fun activities to boost mental wellbeing
• Dance, music and outdoor activities to encourage physical wellbeing

Why it's a great idea:

This summer playscheme will bring a touch of normality to local families who are faced with incredible challenges during lockdown. With so much uncertainty caring for vulnerable children, this project will give families something to look forward to, and take part in. We have so much fun at PACSO, and this year will be no exception. Our heart is in supporting children and young people to develop friendships, have fun, and build life skills. Each activity is designed around our indepth knowledge of the children we support; and we know they'll love it! We know that families are struggling in all kinds of ways at the moment, and one way we can help is to make our activities free. But we also need our small charity to still be strong for when we can resume afterschool clubs, playdays and trips for our children. Please help support us in this project, and help children have fun in lockdown.

Steps to get it done:

• Secure artists to host weekly sessions: magicians, dance teachers, musicians, story tellers
• Plan weekly themes; art, sensory and music activities
• Advertise to PACSO members and wider community
• Start first playscheme session, 27th July
• End playscheme, 21 August

Respite for parents and carers with children with disabilities or additional needs in West Sussex.